New Entry Highlights Concerns Over Endocrine Disruptors

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added triphenyl phosphate to its Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), bringing the total to 242 entries. This substance, known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, is widely used as a flame retardant and plasticizer.  

Key Details

• Confirmed Addition: Triphenyl phosphate was officially added on 7 November 2024, following a delayed review due to new data.
• Potential Future Regulation: The substance may be placed on the Authorisation List, which would require companies to obtain special permission from the European Commission to continue its use.

Impact on Companies

Companies using triphenyl phosphate now face specific legal obligations:

• Information Disclosure: If a product contains this substance at concentrations above 0.1% (weight by weight), suppliers must inform customers about safe usage.
• Consumer Rights: Consumers can request information on SVHC content in products they purchase.
• Notification Requirements: Importers and producers must notify ECHA within six months if their products contain this chemical.
• Safety Data Updates: Suppliers must update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for affected products.

Environmental Regulations

Under the Waste Framework Directive, companies must report SVHC content in products to ECHA’s SCIP database. Additionally, products containing SVHCs are ineligible for the EU Ecolabel.

This addition reflects ECHA's continued efforts to regulate harmful chemicals, ensuring better protection for human health and the environment.